Inspired by LBTY: Zephirine by Matthew Rice
Take a trip with Liberty to visit the renowned water colour artist at his Ham Court home
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Inspired by LBTY: Zephirine by Matthew Rice
Take a trip with Liberty to visit the renowned water colour artist at his Ham Court home
By: Team LibertyInterview by George Serventi
A deep-rooted passion for artistic expression lies at the heart of Liberty, from the Tudor foundations of our store upwards and outwards. The exquisite world of Liberty’s LBTY. Fragrance is no exception, guided by a passion for creativity and collaboration, celebrating history and heritage with an eye to the future.
And what better way to explore the intricacies of the Liberty’s LBTY. Fragrance collection than by continuing our close collaboration with the creative world? This year, we’re tasking a series of contemporary creatives with reimagining each scent through their unique artistic media as part of our Inspired by LBTY. series.
When Liberty visits Matthew Rice, renowned artist and watercolourist, at his historic Ham Court home, the scene could not be more quintessentially British. Surrounded by verdant gardens, and fields filled with sheep and cows, the medieval manor house, with its vaulted windows, pale stone walls and even a turret is, perhaps, the most fitting home for Rice’s distinct, eclectic and immensely detailed aesthetic.
Inspired in equal part by the nature that surrounds him, and his love for watercolour paintings, Rice turned his instantly recognisable aesthetic to Liberty LBTY. Fragrance’s bohemian scent, Zephirine. Drawing on peacock motifs and the complex layered notes of the scent: here, Rice talks us through his artistic process: bringing the scent to life.
Zephirine by Matthew Rice
Can you tell us about the process behind the artwork. How did you bring Zephirine to life?
When I received the lovely letter about Zephirine, it included a captivating piece of prose about a peacock sauntering through a grand setting. I thought that was a wonderful starting point because I love peacocks—I love all birds, really—but peacocks, in particular, are a favourite.
The imagery of a peacock strolling through a palace immediately evoked a sense of India, with its minarets, domed pavilions, and an almost Xanadu-like stately pleasure domes, reminiscent of a special Moorish garden. Around that time, I had just visited an exhibition at the V&A called The Great Mughals, which featured beautiful Persian and Indian garden designs. That inspired me to create something reflecting the most perfect Persian-Indian garden.
What do you think of the scent of Zephirine?
It’s a really lovely fragrance. When it arrived, it was beautifully packaged. The maroon box was elegant, and inside was something truly refined. We all gathered around to experience it, and I found it to be quite strong, powerful, and distinctive. It has a luxurious, almost oriental quality, which I think is very appealing.
The scent is complex and layered, much like your artwork, which is intricate and detailed. Was that a deliberate choice when creating this piece?
Yes, I think so. I naturally gravitate towards complexity in my imagery, and this scent has a similar depth—it has high notes, low notes, quick impressions, and lingering melodies. That resonates with the way I approach drawing, where I aim to create something engaging that holds the viewer’s attention and offers different elements to explore.
I rarely settle for simplicity, such as just drawing a dog in the centre of a blank canvas. If there’s space for a landscape, then why not include one? And if there’s a landscape, there should be buildings. If there are buildings, perhaps they should be seen through branches. What might be in the branches? Before long, the composition transforms into a rich mosaic of imagery.
Your work also frequently draws upon nature, animals, and gardens. How does living in Oxfordshire influence your creativity?
It’s no coincidence that I live in the countryside, surrounded by animals, birds, and an extensive gardening project. I feed off that environment.
My work is deeply connected to the natural calendar and the changing seasons. Living in the heart of the countryside makes you acutely aware of nature’s rhythms—the first day leaves begin to bud, the moment they fall, when chicks hatch. Even if my work channels those ideas into different forms, that awareness remains ever-present.
Zephirine is inspired by the peacock – the fragrance captures that essence beautifully. I love the idea of drawing inspiration directly from nature, though I must admit, I also have a deep appreciation for architecture, so there are many buildings included in this piece. I believe we dream up and create places where we want to exist, whether they are Moorish pavilions or classical temples, they provide a space for the imagination to settle.
You find inspiration everywhere, from nature to buildings. But in terms of technique, you predominantly work in watercolour and pen and ink. What draws you to those mediums?
When I was about 14, I was given a large collection of high-quality watercolour paper. It was so lovely that I started painting on it and became completely hooked on watercolours.
I love their translucency, the way light shines through, and how the white of the paper plays an active role in the image. I also love the vast range of colours available today. I’m always on the hunt for the perfect blue or an even brighter yellow. There’s a colour called Opera Rose Pink—it’s exactly as bold and dramatic as it sounds. It’s the MSG of colours—it instantly lifts everything! Even a tiny touch of it in the corner of a painting makes a difference.
As for the drawing, although I often use pencil & fine liners. In this case I have gone back to traditional pen and ink, which gives a more lively line (and for sustainability reasons it gets rid of single use plastic pens). It does require more care to avoid blotches, but I enjoy how it makes the line an essential part of the artwork. Drawing has always been my passion, and ink allows that to shine through.
Finally, what does it mean to you to be working with Liberty?
It’s wonderful to be collaborating with Liberty. I’ve always loved the store, and in different ways, I’ve been connected to it through my work.
Liberty is unique: it’s a store with a creative vision. From its very inception, it has championed the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau. It has played a vital role in promoting design for over a century, which is an extraordinary achievement.
Even when trends shifted towards minimalism and industrial aesthetics, Liberty remained dedicated to print, pattern, and decorative design. That’s part of why it’s so beloved. It has stayed true to its DNA as a store that celebrates craftsmanship, artistry, and individuality.
Interview by George Serventi
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